A Dragon Speaks Her Name: A Nocturne Falls Universe story by Kira Nyte

Author:Kira Nyte [Nyte, Kira]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Sugar Skull Books
Published: 2017-05-22T18:30:00+00:00

Chapter Ten

Zareh debated taking Kaylae back to his house so he could keep a closer eye on her. Until he spoke with Cade about the newest developments with the Baroqueth, he didn’t trust leaving her alone. He tossed the option out to her as they walked to her car. She was reluctant, saying she wanted time in her room at the dead-and-breakfast to get herself ready for their date. He decided to relinquish his watch over her for the next hour or so only after she promised to call immediately if anything happened.

He would not crowd her. Talius had sheltered her enough for a few lifetimes. He did not fault his Keeper for his overprotective treatment of his daughter, but seeing how the paternal bubble affected Kaylae, the last thing Zareh wanted to do was be another overbearing guardian. Besides, he enjoyed seeing her smile, the lightness in her steps, and the unhampered excitement he’d experienced spending the day at her side. She wore that carefree nature perfectly, and he wanted to see it on her more.

Zareh slipped into his house and found Cade and Alazar hunched over a chessboard in the living room. Cade’s bulky, muscular frame made the chessboard look like it belonged in a dollhouse, and Alazar look like a teenager. Their leader’s enormity was another reason he seldom left The Hollow. He drew too much attention with his towering height, coming in at a little over seven feet, and burly, almost Viking-like appearance. He easily made people scurry away in fear.

Cade stroked his deep red beard, the fire in his eyes in full-glow as he examined the chessboard. A gold pendant sat on the table beside the chessboard, a polished blue diamond beside it. Zareh’s brows rose.

“Please don’t tell me you’re betting against Cade.”

Alazar waved him quiet, picked up a piece and moved it across the board. Cade snickered, or more like rumbled, and took his move.

“Nice try, Alazar. Checkmate.”

Alazar smacked his hands on his knees. “I’m just warming up. One more—”

“No,” Zareh and Cade said at the same time. Cade took the gold pendant and pushed the diamond back toward Alazar.

“Next time, I’ll take it,” Cade said.

“There won’t be a next time, if I have any say.” Zareh snatched the diamond before Alazar could retrieve it.

“Hey!”

Zareh bared his teeth. “You’re out of control. You need an intervention. I’m going to find some kind of gambling addiction program for you. If you’re going to bet, do it on something you know you’ll win. Like fire breathing.”

Cade left the sofa and stretched his arms over his head, fingertips almost touching the ceiling. The man was a giant. Alazar, pout and all, put the chess pieces in their respective compartments beneath the board and pocketed his diamond after Zareh gave it back.

“Can I get you something to drink?” Zareh asked Cade. He folded his arms over his chest and eyed Alazar. “Do tell me you at least offered Cade a beverage before your attempt at more gold.”

“Actually, I did.

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